Instead the 20-year-old England and Wasps fly-half has pledged to return in even better condition, bolstered during the bad times by calls from Chelsea footballer John Terry, former Wales wing Ieuan Evans, who recovered from a similar injury and, more recently, from new England manager Martin Johnson.

Cipriani was on course to spearhead Wasps' attack in the Premiership final, as well as lead the England backline in New Zealand, when fate struck its nasty blow during the semi-final against Bath in mid-May.

"I had my demons in the first couple of weeks when I was up and down, asking questions to myself as to whether I'd play again," said Cipriani, who expects to be walking in 10 days after having his cast removed on Monday. "Things like that go through your head. It's only natural. But I had some good people around me who told me to get on with it."

Sprint coach Margot Wells, as well as former Wasps captain Lawrence Dallaglio, are others who have lent their considerable support and advice.

"It's nice to have all these sportsmen getting in touch," Cipriani said. "I'm very positive now, and very mentally stubborn. The rehab will be painful but I'm not going to let anything stop me. I want to come back faster, stronger and fitter."

He was in the right place yesterday to express such sentiments, lighting the flame to open the 31st Balfour Beatty London Youth Games at Crystal Palace in front of 3,000 young primary school hopefuls.

His upbeat mood will have reassured Johnson, who has named him in the Saxons squad despite the fact that Cipriani is unlikely to lace a boot in anger until late November.

"I'm a bit star-struck with Martin because he's the Martin Johnson everyone talks about, the World Cup winner, the leader, and even in brief conversations you can sense that authority," Cipriani said. "It's great that he's contacted me because it does give you confidence. But he's putting no pressure on me, just wants me to take my time and do everything properly."

Cipriani, a model professional in so much of what he does, has not always done everything properly, or not, at least, in the eyes of former head coach Brian Ashton. Cipriani was dropped prior to making his full debut in the Six Nations against Scotland after being photographed coming out of a London nightclub. He had only been leaving tickets. No matter.

"Brian taught me a lesson," said Cipriani, an interested observer from afar as rather more serious events unfolded in New Zealand this summer.

"He sent out a clear message to the squad. I still speak to Brian even now. There should be some sort of guidelines and that's what Martin and the RFU are looking at now. Ultimately every professional should act responsibly. The profile of rugby is growing and it's our responsibility to conduct ourselves in a certain way."

Cipriani has a mix of nervousness and excitement as to what lies ahead. The shedding of an encased boot on Monday week will be a significant moment. He will have a scan on the damaged ankle shortly afterwards. Then the long slog back to fitness begins.

"I've got to prove myself all over again," said Cipriani, who has used the opportunity to have a minor shoulder problem fixed. "You can't ever rest on your laurels because that's the day your rival overtakes you. I'm able to do a lot more upper-body stuff now the shoulder is sorted. I want to come back better than ever."